2011 National Celebrations in honor of St. Francis, patron saint of Italy

San Francesco died October 3rd, 1226. He became a Saint only two years later, July 16th, 1228, at the hands of Pope Gregory IX. It was proclaimed patron saint of Italy on June 18th, 1939 by Pope XII. Since then, it is celebrated all over the country the October 4th. And like every year Assisi (PG), his hometown and also thanks to him has become a symbol, is preparing to celebrate the 3th and 4th October, 2011 with the National Celebrations in his honor.
Attending representatives of the Italian government and some of the highest authorities. However, the days of celebration will be 5, from October 1st to 5th, 2011, with religious ceremonies and civil events.

Will start, in fact, on the first of the month, 10:00 am, and thanks to this year's host Region, Molise: "Il Molise ad Assisi: con Francesco Costruttori di Pace" Exhibitions, concerts and at Palazzo Monte Frumenatario display stands and promotional purposes. The stands will remain open until 5th, with 10-19 hours.
The presence of a host region is now an established tradition, due to a historical-religious reenactment. In 2010 was the Trentino-Alto Adige, for example. But every year, a different region of Italy offers oil, representative of the entire peninsula, to feed the votive lamp of municipalities of Italy, which burns before the tomb of St. Francis. In 2011, the oil will be offered on October 4th at 10am at the Papal Chapel in the Upper Basilica of St. Francis, during the solemn celebration. Mass will be broadcast live on TV, on RAI. In the afternoon, religious procession.

And on October 5th through the streets of downtown will be the annual town Fair.

Following, the complete program of the 2011 Celebrations: 2011 Celebrazioni Nazionali in onore di San Francesco Program (pdf 170 kb).

For more info:
Ufficio Informazioni e Accoglienza Turistica del Comprensorio Assisano
Piazza del Comune - 06081 Assisi
Tel. 075.8138680 / 8138681 - Fax 075.8138686
info@iat.assisi.pg.it

Pro Loco Santa Maria Degli Angeli: Tel. 075.8044554 – E-mail info@prolocosantamariadegliangeli.com